CVE-2017-0298 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A DCOM object in Helppane.exe in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016, when configured to run as the interactive user, allows an authenticated attacker to run arbitrary code in another user's session, aka "Windows COM Session Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-0298 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows Component Object Model (COM) infrastructure that affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the Helppane.exe process which serves as the help pane application responsible for displaying help content within Windows. The issue arises when Helppane.exe is configured to run in an interactive user session, creating an opportunity for authenticated attackers to leverage DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model) objects to execute arbitrary code within different user sessions. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the COM object registration and execution process, allowing unauthorized code execution in contexts where elevated privileges might be present.
The technical flaw manifests through the DCOM object implementation within Helppane.exe that fails to properly validate session contexts when processing remote COM requests. When an authenticated user interacts with the help pane functionality, the underlying DCOM infrastructure does not adequately verify the security context of incoming requests, particularly when these requests originate from different user sessions. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious DCOM calls that can be processed by Helppane.exe and subsequently executed within the target user's session context. The vulnerability operates at the system level where the COM object can be manipulated to execute commands with the privileges of the target user, potentially leading to full system compromise when that target user has administrative rights. This flaw is categorized under CWE-264, which deals with Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls, specifically focusing on inadequate access control mechanisms within component object model implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the capability to move laterally within a network environment by compromising user sessions. An authenticated attacker who gains initial access to a system can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code in other user sessions, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying system configurations, or establishing persistent access points. The vulnerability affects systems where Helppane.exe is configured to run with interactive user privileges, which is common in enterprise environments where help functionality is actively used. This creates a significant risk for organizations as it allows attackers to escalate privileges without requiring additional exploitation techniques, and the vulnerability remains exploitable across multiple Windows versions, increasing its attack surface. The impact is particularly severe when target users have administrative privileges, as the escalation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0298 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures to reduce the attack surface. Microsoft released security updates that address the vulnerability by correcting the DCOM object access control mechanisms within Helppane.exe and related help pane components. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches as soon as possible, particularly for systems where Helppane.exe runs with interactive user privileges. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls for DCOM objects, disabling unnecessary help pane functionality, and monitoring for suspicious DCOM activity patterns. Network segmentation and user privilege management can also help limit the potential impact of exploitation, as attackers typically need to first gain access to a user session before leveraging this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Windows Remote Management' and 'Component Object Model' attack patterns, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams implementing comprehensive threat hunting strategies.